Monday, February 9, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A·Page 3
Board to exercise Robinson options
Kathy Lemanek, assistant professor of human development,
in Parkinson Center. Photo by Carie Waters/KANSAN
Recreation services advisory group to weigh addition
By Melissa Ngap
mngo@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
Mike Walden, board chairman, said that the board expected to create a recreational facility planning committee to discuss Student Senate legislation passed two weeks ago. The resolution charged the board with examining the feasibility of adding recreation buildings near Robinson Center. The board also will examine the possibility of corporate sponsorship or outside funding to lessen the students' financial burden.
Walden said the planning committee would review the 1996 plans for constructing a $21 million recreation center on West Campus. The plan was voted down in a 1996 student referendum.
Some University of Kansas students want better recreational facilities, and that will be the topic of discussion when the Recreational Services Advisory Board meets at 4:15 p.m. today at Alcove D in the Kansas Union.
the $13 student recreation fee gradually to $90. The fee increase was one of the main reasons students didn't vote for the plan, said Jason Fitzell, Liberal Arts and Sciences senator and resolution sponsor.
The cost of that center would have increased
"We wanted the new facilities closer to Robinson so we could continue to use Robinson facilities and cut the cost of new facilities by not having to duplicate services already offered at Robinson," Fizell said.
According to a 1996 senior class survey, 47 percent rated campus recreational services and equipment at 3.5 on a scale of 1, very dissatisfied, to 5, satisfied. This was a drop from the 1992 survey, when 46 percent of seniors ranked the services and equipment at 4.1.
Michael Weiss, St. Joseph, Ill., junior, goes to Robinson three times a week. He uses the weightlifting equipment, swims and plays basketball.
Weiss said he didn't like waiting in long lines to use the weight equipment or play basketball. "I've waited about 45 minutes to play basketball." Weiss said.
Weiss said that he wanted better recreation options but was concerned about a fee increase.
"If there's going to be an increase, I want it to be small, and I want to know exactly where that money's going." Weiss said.
Kurtis wins journalism school award
KU alum discusses information overload news networks cause
By Jeremy M. Doherty
jdoherty@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
The increasing demand for sensational news is damaging the media's credibility, veteran journalist Bill Kurtis said Friday.
Kurtis, host of A&E Network programs The New Explorers, American Justice and Investigative Reports, received the 1998 William Allen White National Citation Award.
The award is named after the late editor of the Emporia Gazette, and it is presented on William Allen White Day every year. Past recipients
include columnist George F. Will, CNN's Bernard Shaw and PBS's Jim Lehrer.
Since 1950, the award has honored those who emulate White's principles in journalism.
Kurtis graduated from the University of
Curtis; said reporters should shy from sensationalism.
Kansas in 1962 and later worked as a news anchor for WIBW-TV in Topeka.
Speaking at the Kansas Union to students, professors and working journalists, Kurtis said the flood of information provided by 24-hour news networks and the Internet threatened
a return to the days of yellow journalism.
"Standards have been dangerously eroded," Kurtis said. "More time is being spent on getting you to watch a certain story than on actually reporting it."
Kurtis said he had been offered a job with a Wichita law firm in 1966, but television's ability to provide instant news proved too great a temptation.
Newsrooms today are missing the point by worrying about how to maximize profits, instead of getting the facts right, Kurtis said.
"Take back the newsroom' is my advice to younger journalists," Kurtis said. "You have to stand up, give your opinion and talk back."
"We're more than a reporter of a police blotter or an echo of news briefs," Kurtis said. "Yet, reporters and editors act as if they have no responsibilities."
Kurtis met with journalism professors Friday to discuss ways of applying traditional media methods to new outlets, such as the Internet and broadcasting.
During a question-and-answer session, Kurtis was asked how students
could best prepare for reporting in the 21st century.
John Ginn, professor of journalism, said Kurtis touched on the essence of William Allen White's legacy.
"William Allen White was certainly a person who supported certain values in journalism," Ginn said. "One way in which he excelled was his insight in showing his opinions. Clearly, he was a believer in getting the facts straight and knowing what you're talking about."
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